the Rustic Riders
Original Music by Lisa Meissner
Accompanied by Klaus Meissner on Percussion and
Musical Guests on Acoustic Instruments
The Rustic Riders are an Adirondack based group who play original music with a traditional sensibility. Lisa Meissner’s original songs explore our journeys with others, our world and creation. Sometimes they get you dancing and singing; other times they invite you to pause, reflect and renew. They are filled with her experience of music from many peoples, times and places and they move the spirit to new understanding. Words and tunes blend to become one.
The Rustic Riders’ debut CD “Hearing Hearts” features 13 of Lisa’s songs. It was recorded with Dan Duggan at Esperance Productions in Red Creek and they plan to record their second release in winter of 2009/2010. The Rustic Riders have been playing together in various combinations since 1996. Since the fall of 2006 they have been playing mostly original material written by Lisa Meissner. Lisa sings and plays guitar, but may also surprise you with traditional tunes on the cello, mandolin and tenor banjo. Klaus Meissner plays percussion, lends his ear to the overall sound mix and enjoys building and restoring acoustic instruments – including Lisa’s guitars. Bill Chamberlain is a talented multi instrumentalist who often joins the group playing vintage acoustic instruments and completing the Rustic Riders’ sound.
What they are saying about the Rustic Riders and Hearing Hearts:
“What a wonderful and joyful sound" - Bill Hahn (WFDU-FM, NJ)
“Nice social comment and storytelling! I like your lyrics and message.” - Mike Pinder, (formerly of the Moody Blues)
Lisa Meissner “has terrific vocals” The Rustic Riders debut album “Hearing Hearts” has “interesting (and meaningful) songs. Several listeners mentioned (Just Plain Folk) in e-mail feedback, wanting to know the artist. I am sure I will air more tracks from your CD." - Lilli Kuzma (WDCB-FM, IL)
“Ghosts in the River is a hauntingly beautiful song.” - Rhonda Miller (WXIN, RI)
""Know You Are Loved" is very sweet." -Laurie DesJardins (KVMR-FM, CA)
“A really special CD.” - Chrisana McGill (WSPN-FM, NY)
“It's a beautiful record.” - Paul Stark (KDHX, MO)
Where We Come From – Our Influences:
The Rustic Riders’ influences range from traditional and spiritual music to Classical, Latin, Jazz, Contemporary Folk and Rock. Lisa Meissner began singing and playing guitar in her early teens and was inspired by the folk movement – including artists such as Odetta, Judy Collins, Miriam Makeba, The New Lost City Ramblers and of course Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan. Her mother was a professional singer and her home was filled with the sounds of swing, Broadway and the classical concert halls. She was privileged to go to a public school with a strong music program that embraced world music long before the genre existed. Klaus Meissner grew up in a multi cultural household where Latin music filled his home and inspires his drumming. Bill Chamberlain has played and recorded with musicians across the country from the Pacific Northwest to New York and New England. He grew up on rock and roll but his true love is old timey music. He has played at the International Folk Alliance and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Where We’ve Been:
The Rustic Riders have played at various venues in the Adirondack Region and beyond, including Jitters Café in Saratoga Springs, Radio Bean in Burlington and The Wildcat Inn and Tavern in Jackson, New Hampshire. In Northern New York they have performed at The Norwood Green Summer Music Series, The Russell Opera House, The Clayton Opera House, the Northville Summer Music Series, the Adk Loj, The Spring into Spring Series in Colton, the Palmer Street Coffeehouse, Bluseed Studios, Northwoods Inn, Station Street Bar and Grille, Blue Moon Café, Brick Oven Café, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Rotary Show and the Saranac Lake Third Thursday Art Walks. As an earlier configuration, Trimmed and Burning, they played at the Elm Street Coffee House in Malone, the Adirondack Acoustic Music Festival at Paul Smith’s College and at the Festival of the Lakes in Saranac Lake.
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